Author: Craig Constantine

Healthy with Rodrigo Stavale

June 12, 2023

Healthy – with Rodrigo Stavale

How can movement and mindset be used as tools for healing, growth, and fostering connections in both personal and community contexts?

Rodrigo Stavale and Craig Constantine dip into several topics, including podcasting, children’s learning, and the power of unconventional teaching methods. Stavale emphasizes the significance of modeling and creative play in fostering children’s development and understanding of movement. They discuss the importance of providing diverse environments, such as streets and parks, to encourage risk management and creativity. Stavale also touches upon the value of self-reflection and feedback, noting the benefits of recording podcasts to capture and analyze one’s progress.

Stavale discusses the role of podcasting as a tool for self-reflection and assessment, allowing individuals to evaluate their progress and explore new movement approaches. He also highlights the significance of injuries, explaining how they provide valuable learning experiences that increase body awareness and strengthen individuals.

The best environment to develop kids is in streets, parks, and places with lots of information for them to manage the risks, see the challenge, and be creative.

~ Rodrigo Stavale, 22’30”

Observing his daughter’s learning process, Stavale emphasizes the importance of modeling movements rather than relying on strict instructions. He describes the value of creativity and playfulness in children’s exploration of movement challenges, allowing them to develop their own ideas and philosophy.

Stavale also underscores the importance of self-assessment in movement practice. He encourages individuals to analyze their movements, using methods such as video recordings or written observations, to identify areas for improvement and track progress. Through self-reflection, individuals can deepen their understanding, maintain motivation, and discover innovative approaches to movement challenges.

Takeaways

Emphasizing accessibility and relatability — Stavale emphasizes the importance of making his projects and videos accessible and relatable to a wide audience. His goal is to inspire others by showcasing movements that are impressive yet achievable, creating a sense of possibility and encouraging individuals to engage in physical activity.

Observing children’s learning — Stavale highlights the value of observing how children naturally learn and play. He believes in incorporating their creative nature into movement-based activities, allowing them to explore and discover movements on their own terms. By embracing their innate curiosity and playfulness, children can develop their skills and movement capabilities.

Self-assessment and growth — Stavale encourages self-assessment and progress tracking as essential elements in movement development. By regularly evaluating one’s own progress, identifying areas for improvement, and adapting movements and techniques accordingly, individuals can strive for continuous growth and self-improvement. Stavale sees challenges and obstacles as opportunities for learning and believes in pushing oneself to explore new movements and overcome personal limitations.

Resources

YouTube.com/stavaleparkourrio

@Stavale.Parkour on Instagram

Stavacast Stavale’s podcast on Spotfy

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(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

Maybe try a map?

June 12, 2023

First a hat tip to Austin Kleon. His most-recent post, Do you have a nemesis? included a mind map, which is the most-recent of the countless times I’ve encountered mind mapping. I’m a fan of Kleon for many reasons, not least of which is that he, like me, flouts the usual guidelines for the capitalization of one’s titles.

I’ve tried mind mapping a few times. (What’s that? Did I overdo it with software and processes? …yes, of course!) Today, I was feeling unmotivated to write for Open + Curious. I thought, “Just start. JUST START!” But I simply didn’t want to face the blank screen of the digital document.

Instead, I opened my idea garden wherein I capture interesting nuggets to be seeds for future writing. In my garden, I rarely (I first wrote “never,” but I don’t want to jinx myself) have trouble finding a nugget to write about. I grabbed my favorite pen, and flipped to a blank sheet in the little binder I keep. So much action! I felt like I was already writing. /s

On that mind map I wrote the “something new” at the center. It’s not a meaningless bit of meta; it’s the central idea from a captured nugget. At this point, staring at the paper with my pen in hand felt great, versus facing a digital document which always feels too structured for me to think in. (ref. Sönke Ahrens.) In just a few minutes of thinking and scribbling I had all those bubbles. Then I had a title. …then a route. …an outline. And from there the writing felt doable.

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Chatter and peace

June 11, 2023

Of late there’s been a marked reduction in the ‘ol mental chatter. I don’t know from where the chatter originates. Sometimes I notice there is chatter; sometimes I notice there is not. When there is chatter, I find it’s usually impossible to stop it in the moment, or even with hours of concerted effort.

If you’re ever able to step back from your own mental chatter, and listen to it with some critical distance, perhaps after a long meditation, or in one of those tired but insightful moments near the end of the day, you might find it indeed exhibits many of the characteristics of an extremely boring and self-absorbed person. It’s not that you yourself are this way — surely you don’t say everything that comes to mind. But the mind does.

~ David Cain from, How to Stop Thinking Too Much

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The only thing that works for me, to keep the chatter at bay, is to bite off far less than I think I can chew. Then spit half of it out the moment I realize I didn’t actually want it in the first place. My chatter is [I think?] always about something (or some things) specific. The only way to stop the chatter is to realize the thing is not worth doing, or to just do it. With finite time and energy there’s a limit to the “just do it” solution. In recent months I’ve been spending huge amounts of time talking myself into realizing many things are not worth doing. This too is a Sisyphean task, but I think it’s been working— at least if I judge by my perception of recent chatter.

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Real life

June 10, 2023

Real life is found only in the present. If people tell you that you should live your life preparing for the future, do not believe them. We live in this life, and we know this life only, and therefore all our efforts should be directed toward the improvement of this life. Not your life in general but every hour of this life should be lived in the best way you know how.

~ Leo Tolstoy

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Out of sight

June 9, 2023

There are particular features of programming which suck me in. Edge cases and error handling and making it as functional as possible… I can become engrossed for hours. Not one thought beyond the task at hand. Not one sound heard. Not one visual noticed beyond the edges of the screen. If it’s imperfect, it’s not done. It’s not useful until it’s done. The real world is fuzzy, programming and computers are not, and thus all the remainders stay in my head. None of that is good.

Programming, like architecture, is both art and science. Code must run, as buildings must stand, without crumbling. Alexander wrote about things which make us feel more whole in their presence, like the peach growing against the wall. In San Jose, he referred to that quality as “living structure.”

~ Claire L. Evans from, Towards Growing Peaches Online – by Claire L. Evans

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But sometimes I can build something for my own use which elegantly solves a problem. (Imagine here an Ionic column, for example.) But most of the time, software is just the machinations “behind” the screen. Alexander was (in my opinion) asking us to aim a little high.

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Departed

June 9, 2023

When I remember all
    the friends so link’d together,
I’ve seen around me fall,
    like leaves in wintry weather;
I feel like one who treads alone
    some banquet hall deserted,
Whose lights are fled, whose garlands dead,
    and all but he departed.

~ Tom Moore

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Tradecraft with Karen Morgan

June 8, 2023

How do creative professionals refine their craft and maintain energy and perspective while balancing preparation, performance, and feedback in their work?

Explore the need for creative breaks and stepping away from a project, as Karen Morgan and Craig Constantine discuss the value of gaining fresh perspectives and reevaluating their work. They explore the world of stand-up comedy and beyond. Encouraging others to take the plunge, they emphasize the significance of initiating creative projects and letting go of technical worries.

In their engaging conversation, Karen and Craig explore various aspects of the stand-up comedy world. Touching on performance styles, Karen discusses her personal approach, revealing her preference for leaving the microphone in the stand. By doing so, she frees up her hands to incorporate gestures and act out certain elements of her stories, adding a visual component to her comedic performance.

You just have to talk into the microphone. You know, the rest of it is logistics and technology which you can figure out, but the part about talking in the microphone or interviewing people, you just gotta do it and then the technology kind of goes away.

~ Karen Morgan ~21’40”

They also discuss some of the challenges faced by new comics. Karen reflects on her own beginnings in stand-up comedy, recounting her participation in a comedy workshop twenty years ago. She fondly recalls how the instructor immediately pushed the students to stand up and talk into the microphone on the first night, instilling a sense of courage and determination. Drawing parallels to her own podcasting journey, Karen highlights the initial intimidation she felt towards the equipment and technical aspects. However, she emphasizes that ultimately, the most important part is simply talking into the microphone or conducting interviews, and the rest can be figured out along the way.

At some point, you need to take a little break, go for a walk, get some fresh air, then come back and you’ll see it differently or you’ll hear it differently. Sometimes after a show, I won’t listen to my stuff until the next day because I need a break from it. Like, ‘Oh, I can’t physically listen to this with a studious mind. Clearly, right now I’m too tired.’

~ Karen Morgan, ~23’15”

The conversation gets into the importance of taking breaks and gaining fresh perspectives. Karen draws parallels between her experiences in graphic design and comedy writing, explaining how stepping away from a creative project can bring new clarity. She emphasizes the importance of physically removing oneself from the work environment, taking a walk, or engaging in other activities before returning with a fresh mindset.

Craig adds to this notion by sharing his tendency to postpone listening to his recordings, recognizing that exhaustion can hinder the ability to evaluate and appreciate one’s own work objectively. This discussion highlights the importance of self-care and allowing oneself time and space to recharge, ensuring a more effective and insightful creative process.

Take-aways

Individuality in performance — The conversation highlights the diverse approaches that comedians take when performing stand-up comedy. This reminds us that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to comedy (or podcasting!), and performers have the freedom to develop their unique styles and methods to engage the audience.

The importance of mentorship — Karen mentions how she mentors a new comic who is just starting out in stand-up comedy. This emphasizes the value of mentorship and guidance in the comedy industry. Having an experienced comedian to offer advice, share insights, and provide support can be incredibly beneficial for newcomers, helping them navigate the challenges and refine their craft.

Taking breaks for a fresh perspective — Both Karen and Craig discuss the need to step away from their creative projects at times. They mention the importance of taking breaks, going for walks, or engaging in other activities to gain a fresh perspective and avoid getting too immersed in the details. This highlights the creative process and the significance of giving oneself space and time to recharge, allowing for new ideas and perspectives to emerge.

Resources

karenmorgan.com – Karen Morgan’s main web site.

The video sketch of Every Generation Explained that we mention in the episode is on her videos page.

The Purple Bike – Karen’s podcast.

@KarenMorganComedy – Karen’s social media handle on Instagram etc.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Recovery with Eric Rubin

June 8, 2023

Recovery with Eric Rubin

What is the impact of physical injuries and personal loss on an individual’s identity, community engagement, and resilience, particularly within the context of parkour and movement practice?

Join Eric Rubin and Craig Constantine as they reflect on the role of uncertainty in recovery and the need to accept and adapt to life-altering injuries, offering a glimpse into the emotional struggle of finding a new sense of self and purpose amidst uncertainty.

Parkour, and being part of the parkour community… was one of the few times where I felt this solace from the grief and a connection to people.

~ Eric Rubin, ~20’10”

Eric shares his personal journey of how parkour has played a significant role in his life, teaching him valuable lessons in persistence, adaptation, and creativity. He recounts how parkour became a source of solace and connection during a challenging time marked by the loss of his brother to suicide and a debilitating Achilles tendon injury.

The conversation dives into the emotional impact of personal loss and how it can affect one’s physical and mental well-being. Eric and Craig discuss the potential connections between emotional upheaval, such as grief, and the tendency to push oneself too hard in an effort to overcome challenges.

Finally, Eric expresses his struggle with uncertainty regarding his nerve injury and its long-term effects on his physical abilities. He shares his journey of acceptance, resilience, and finding ways to be a fulfilled individual regardless of the outcome, while still striving to give his best.

Throughout the conversation, the power of shared experiences, seeking inspiration from others who have faced similar challenges, and the importance of emotional support are emphasized. The transformative impact of parkour and the resilience it instills in individuals are central themes that emerge from Eric’s story.

Takeaways

The transformative power of parkour — Parkour is portrayed as a practice that instills perseverance, adaptability, and creativity, offering valuable life lessons beyond physical skills.

The interconnectedness of emotional and physical challenges — Eric’s experience with grief and his subsequent injury raises intriguing questions about the relationship between mental state, motivation, and the ability to overcome physical obstacles.

Embracing uncertainty and seeking new possibilities — Eric’s acceptance of uncertainty regarding his recovery emphasizes the importance of resilience and finding alternative paths to fulfillment, even in the face of unforeseen challenges.

Resources

Eric’s favorite podcast episode about loss and grief: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stephen-colbert-grateful-for-grief/id1643163707?i=1000580162304

His favorite podcast about the mental and emotional side of injury: https://injuredathletesclub.com/

And Eric’s Instagram sharing his recovery process: https://www.instagram.com/erics_achilles_chapter/

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(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

Still, choose today

June 7, 2023

Back at the start of January I mentioned, “Indeed. If it is to my advantage tomorrow, it is much more so today.” My touch phrase, “choose today” for 2023 continues to be a poignant reminder. I’ve now written it at the bottom of every journal entry this year, it often comes to mind in moments when I most need it, and it always reminds me of this:

Stick to what’s in front of you—idea, action, utterance. This is what you deserve. You could be good today. But instead you choose tomorrow.

~ Marcus Aurelius

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“If it is to my advantage tomorrow, it is much more so today.” is a direct quote of Epictetus. Aurelius was born shortly after Epictetus’s death. But Aurelius makes a point of thanking one of his teachers, Rusticus saying in part, “[…] And for introducing me to Epictetus’s lectures–and loaning me his own copy.”

Which leads me to the first thing “choose today” reminds me of each day: Knowledge, and in particular wisdom, are gained through others by seeking out those who have something you wish to learn. These people which I’m mentioning lived thousands of years ago. Others (in other traditions from other regions of the world in other centuries) have separately discovered these same ideas, which makes it clear to me that these ideas are worth considering.

The second thing “choose today” reminds me of is to be forward-looking. Certainly I want to observe and consider my past (and the past of others!) but I should be looking towards the future. If something feels urgent, then where exactly is that sense of urgency coming from, and is the urgency real? If something feels important— same questions. If something feels _insert_whatever_here_— same questions. And then, what can I choose today?

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Niko Pal | Developing Yourself As A Coach

June 6, 2023

On Castbox.fm — Niko Pal | Developing Yourself As A Coach

What are the challenges and approaches to developing oneself as an effective and compassionate Parkour coach?

Insights into balancing personal growth and teaching are shared by an experienced Parkour coach.

I like to say that not all athletes are good coaches, and not all good coaches are good athletes. And one of the things you run into, and this is also a huge part of what my talk was about is the ego. And these high skilled athletes oftentimes can run into this perspective of working with people who maybe aren’t as like, super interested in learning Parkour… If you’re trying to help people, and if you’re trying to help people grow, which is kind of the role that a coach plays, then you really got to step aside from that ego.

~ Niko Pal (2:16)

The conversation centers on the experiences and philosophies of an experienced Parkour coach. It explores the significance of self-awareness, ego, and intention in coaching, emphasizing that coaches must align their methods with their students’ goals rather than imposing their own perspectives. Niko discusses the theoretical aspects of coaching, particularly the importance of understanding why one coaches and what outcomes are desired for students. The pitfalls of ego in coaching are highlighted, particularly among high-skilled athletes transitioning to coaching.

Challenges like burnout, injury, and the loss of passion due to overcommitment are discussed as common obstacles for coaches. Niko advocates for developing support systems, setting boundaries, and maintaining a balance between coaching and personal training. The value of mentorship is also emphasized, with the speaker reflecting on their own lack of a mentor and their desire to support others in avoiding similar struggles. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the need for coaches to connect authentically with their students and community.

Takeaways

Not all skilled athletes make good coaches — coaching requires distinct skills like compassion and adaptability.

Ego management in coaching — stepping aside from personal pride to meet students where they are.

Burnout prevention — the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining a balance between coaching and personal goals.

Mentorship value — having a mentor can help navigate the challenges of coaching and accelerate growth.

Impact of injury — physical limitations can affect both personal training and coaching effectiveness.

Authentic connection with students — aligning coaching goals with students’ aspirations fosters genuine growth.

Support systems — having peers or mentors helps coaches recover from setbacks like burnout or injury.

Resources

Parkour Visions — Organization focused on Parkour training and coaching.

niko@parkourvisions.org and @niko_pal on Instagram.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Provoking the powerful

June 5, 2023

One reason I write here, is because I think it’s healthy for me to work with the garage door up. My choice of the guideline that herein I write about myself and things I find lying about reminds me to stick with sharing my subjective experience. Long ago I began suppressing my urge to share my opinions, and gosh, that turns out to be liberating.

This is the birth of “epistemic humility” in Western philosophy: the acknowledgment that one’s blind spots and shortcomings are an invitation for ongoing intellectual investigation and growth.

~ J. W. Traphagan and John J. Kaag from, What Socrates’ ‘know nothing’ wisdom can teach a polarized America

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The confetti gun of opinions seems always to be spewing. For a while I was concerned that my expanding humility would create a sort of power vacuum into which even more opinions of others would drift and settle. But, nope. Removing my contribution has made no difference in the fluttering mess. None the less, it’s simply nice not to feel urgency to contribute to the mess.

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